Chromosome studies on acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia in children

Cytogenetic studies have been carried out on 17 children with acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL). Of the 16 patients analysed at diagnosis, 11 had acquired clonal chromosome abnormalities. Four out of seven cases with acute myeloid leukaemia (M2) had 8;21 translocations, two of which were variants. Comparisons with other data on ANLL confirmed the association between the 8;21 translocation and the younger age groups. There are indications that the Netherlands may be a high incidence area for this translocation. Differences in the type of chromosome anomalies between childhood and adult ANLL were evident suggesting that different aetiologic factors may be involved.